Benzema’s penalty saved as Al-Ittihad exit Club World Cup

Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Dec 16: Karim Benzema had a penalty saved in Al-Ittihad’s loss at the Club World Cup and the Saudi Arabian champion exited its home tournament before Manchester City and Fluminense even arrived.
Benzema’s spot kick to level against Al Ahly in the 45th minute on Friday was hit too straight at goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, and the champion of Africa from Egypt went on to beat Al-Ittihad 3-1 in their second-round game.
Al Ahly will next play Fluminense, the champion of South America from Brazil, in the semifinals on Monday.
Meanwhile, Champions League winner Man City will play Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan on Tuesday.
Urawa beat León of Mexico, the CONCACAF Champions League titleholder, 1-0 in the earlier game on Friday in Jeddah, the Red Sea port city that has been home to Benzema since joining Al-Ittihad in June after 14 years at Real Madrid.
Urawa earned its place at the seven-team Club World Cup by winning the Asian Champions League in February, beating Saudi club Al-Hilal in the final. (AP)